Work

How can mathematics be used to improve burn care?

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: • Math modeling quantifies biophysical burns and predicts possible scenarios that occur after a burn. • Burn models exist at macro and micro scales. Upscaling links these models. • Burn model parameters vary, causing uncertainty. Statistical methods, including Monte Carlo simulations, quantify this. • Artificial Intelligence can replace complex burn model computations, eliminating heavy computer infrastructure. • Common sense must prevail despite the modeling efforts and the beauty of mathematical modelling. Severe second-degree ‘partial thickness’ and third-degree ‘full thickness’ burns are characterized by damage to the dermal layer of the skin. In the dermis, specialized cells called fibroblasts play a crucial role in wound healing. These cells produce collagen, a protein that provides strength and structure to the skin. After burn injury, fibroblasts migrate to the injured area and start producing and depositing collagen to help repair the damaged tissue. While contraction is essential for closing the wound, it can also result in scar contraction (contractures), especially in more severe burns. This contraction creates stresses on the skin, which can deteriorate the mobility of joints near the burn. This article overviews the most recent research results in computer simulations of scar contraction after burns.

Source: Burns Open

DOI: 10.1016/j.burnso.2024.100390

Authors: Ginger Egberts, Fred Vermolen, Qiyao Peng, H.Ibrahim Korkmaz, Paul van Zuijlen